BMW Just Gave M3 Fans The News They Were Waiting For

Surprised? So Were We

We were just about to accept that the next-generation BMW M3 would be a plug-in hybrid. After all, the M5 went in that direction, and it wouldn't be much of a surprise if its smaller sibling followed suit. Audi then introduced the RS5 with plug-in hybrid power and six cylinders, and prior to that, Mercedes-AMG released the sales-proof C63, saddling it with a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system.

So imagine our surprise when we saw a report from Pistonheads. There, the publication confirmed something contrary to initial predictions: the next M3 will be a pure combustion-engined affair and will not come with a plug-in hybrid setup.

BMW

The BMW M Boss Said So

Piston Heads spoke with BMW M chief Frank van Meel during the 24 Hours of Le Mans that ran last weekend. Van Meel's reason for sticking to pure combustion is 'powertrain purity.' It's a bit ironic, given that the M5 is a PHEV, but perhaps the M division wanted the M3 to have a clearer focus.

"It won’t be hybrid, as we’re sticking with the perfect combustion principle. Here [with the Neue Klasse M3] we will go to the extremes, not the in-between," said van Meel. That's helped by the fact that the inline-six engine that M uses for its cars was recently updated to meet tougher emissions regulations.

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How BMW Did It

Since it won't be saddled with a large battery and charging system, we can expect the next M3 to remain relatively light compared to, say, the Audi RS5. The RS5 is the M3's closest competitor, and it tips the scales in the region of 5,000 lbs. For comparison, the current M3 is under 3,900 lbs. It's not exactly a flyweight, but a weight saving of over 1,000 lbs is a definite win.

So, how did BMW comply without resorting to adding heavy batteries? It's down to something called the M Ignite system. It boasts a new pre-chamber design in the cylinder head, and each one has its own spark plug. It's effectively a twin-spark system, something previously used by Alfa Romeo and Honda to boost fuel efficiency and lower emissions without resorting to hybridization and sacrificing performance.

Okay, that does mean you'll have to change 12 spark plugs come service time, but 12 spark plugs are a heck of a lot lighter than a battery pack. The updated engine also comes with mild-hybrid assist. While that does add weight, it won't add much.

'No In-Between'

For the M3, at least, van Meel wants to make it clear that there is as little compromise as possible. Hence, one model is an EV, while the other is purely combustion. Of course, the 3 Series will still be offered with a plug-in hybrid, but we can now say with confidence that the ICE M3 won't come with any plugs.

Van Meel is also confident in keeping the six-cylinder M models free from electrification for a little bit longer. "Our motorsport-derived-tech M Ignite Euro 7 S58 comes out this year, so I can say that it will survive to go into our future M cars," said the executive. This could mean that the next M2 and M4 will get the new engine, as well as the next generation of the X3 M, should BMW actually decide to build one.

As it's not weighed down by a hybrid system, this also opens up the possibility of a new generation of a manual M3. Given the reception towards the CS Handschalter, we're keeping our fingers and toes crossed.